Seas The Day April – Clean Green

The Seas the Day initiative encourages and empowers people to take ocean conservation personally. Each month, the Seas the Day initiative features a new conservation theme with ways to help so come back regularly for more ocean-helping ideas and tips! Created mainly to support our partner ZAMs (Zoos, Aquariums, and Museums and other visitor-serving organizations involved in our growing network) motivate conservation action, Seas the Day is for you to tailor for your own purposes. Please use any or all of the content verbatim and re-post on your own blog, social media channels, website, newsletter, etc. We have a large database of action tips and related content for you to use so let us know what’s most helpful and what other action-able types of information and resources we can provide to enhance your conservation efforts.

Clean Green, Save the Ocean 

Last month, we discussed ways you can help our ocean by becoming a conscious commuter and we hope you’re having success in making that important shift. This month marks the four-year anniversary of the explosion of BP’s Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico, providing fresh impetus to follow through and help our ocean in additional ways.

Create a safer, less hazardous, home.

Say “Yes!” to a healthier home and a living ocean. Make the switch to effective non-toxic and green alternatives. If you buy commercial cleaning products, avoid those labeled dangerous or poisonous, as they likely contain ingredients that can be deadly for all sorts of life. Household poisonings are one of the highest threats to the health of children.  If you have any household hazardous waste, such as paint, yard chemicals, and pesticides, please dispose of them safely, ideally at proper recycling centers. (If your town doesn’t have a community hazardous waste collection or recycling program, encourage your elected officials to start one!) Quick tip: Invest in greener, rechargeable batteries. They cost more up front, but will save you money over time, and help our ocean planet.

 

 Save the Date:

Oil and water do not mix! This month marks the four-year anniversary of the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. Although ocean life in the Gulf is still on its path to, the spill has also opened a window of opportunity for action on broader issues of climate change and offshore drilling. On the 20th this month, think about what you can do to make sure this doesn’t happen again.

 

Make your home clean and green.

April’s a great spring-cleaning month, especially if you try using a few new helpers, such as baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice. Many typical household cleaners contain corrosive and toxic chemicals. Rinsing them down your drain doesn’t mean they go away – chemicals often end up in nearby water systems or eventually the ocean, where they can harm critters that call water their home. Find do-it-yourself recipes online and you can have a clean home while protecting the health of your family and our ocean. If you are too busy to make your own cleaners, shop for eco-friendly cleaners. Use old clothes or Newspaper instead of paper Towels and save the trees. Quick tip: Try washing windows using old newspaper with warm water and a little bit of vinegar. It works well and it’s recyclable!

Please let us know how you’re taking ocean conservation personally so we can share with others!